Naomi Spear's woodcut is hardly the calm image I usually seek to guide me through the end of winter and season of Lent.

But doesn't the sharp contrast of light and dark ring true if we're willing to own up to sin? And the Jonah figure, a crooked little guy with scrawny hair, is humble enough to say, this could be anybody.

Tonight the news is showing video of the Dalai Lama leaving the White House via the back door (as evidenced by the pile of trash bags). There's a flurry of comments, ironic and indignant: how discourteous, how dumb to think no one would notice; what an effort to avoid diplomatic meltdown.

I just keep thinking, what a great image for Lent. Does anyone think it matters to the Dalai Lama what door he goes in or out? With his sense of humor and humility it seems perfect.

Lent opens a backdoor and invites us into Jesus' salvation journey to the cross.

Jonah's story reminds me how strange that salvation journey can be. After all, he's saved by a fish's gaping mouth, hmmm, wonder what the trash situation was in there....

May humble humor accompany you where-ever God provides space for grace this Lent.

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READFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

READFIELD, MAINE, UNITED STATES

We are a small community of believers living in the beautiful hills of Mid Maine. Our lives intertwine in worship fellowship and around supper tables, in small discipleship groups and a growing music ministry. The Spirit stretches our hearts and minds as we connect with mission sites just down the road at the Mount Vernon Food Pantry, points west with the United Methodist Economic Ministry, and as far away as the gulf coast and Kaoma, Zambia. We are a community that hears children's giggles and soft amens during community prayer and shares challenging conversation about the intersection of sacred scripture and busy lives. We are planted here, seeds of the kindom, cultivating hope, faith and love. Come grow with us!